"Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more."~ Loris Malaguzzi

Our Philosophy

Escuela Viva was developed with two main goals in mind. The first is to provide an enriching environment that supports the spiritual, academic and humanistic needs of our children. The second is to support the development of both English and Spanish language skills.

How We Work with Children

Our program is a dual language program, children will be taught in their native language while providing more and more opportunities to hear a second language (Spanish or English).

The guiding principles of Escuela Viva are:

Love and respect permeate every aspect of our school community.

Children are competent active learners.

Children, parents, teachers, and the environment are partners in the learning process.

Children are celebrated and empowered when their learning is made visible.

Children have an amazing capacity to learn language.

The overall goal is that our children grow to understand how to live the best possible life filled with joy and happiness. As an added bonus we incorporate Spanish language learning into our school day. This is done as our teachers share with the students their love for the Spanish language in conversation and interactions throughout the day. We welcome the opportunity to share our philosophy with you and your children.

What People Are Saying About Escuela Viva

After researching probably every school in Portland (ad nauseam I might add), I found Escuela Viva. They had everything I was looking for in a school: an excellent curriculum, a staff I felt comfortable with and a program that is like minded in their approach to caring for and educating children. — Kelly Anderson, Sapitos parent

"We found Escuela Viva online and were sorry we hadn’t known about it sooner. Our daughter loves her school, her friends, her teachers and what she is learning. She comes home just brimming with joy over what it is she is learning, whether it be new yoga moves or new songs in Spanish. Though she has been exposed to Spanish since birth (we are not native speakers but do manage in it), it is only now, at almost 5, that the words and concepts are really clicking. Our child is the youngest of three daughters who were in preschool and school in Washington, DC and New York. Escuela Viva is by far our favorite." — Sapitos parent

“Our son is thriving at Escuela Viva! His imagination and verbal dexterity has blossomed immensely. He’s more expressive and creative. As a naturally exuberant and physical child, and intelligent on top of that, he has been a bit of a challenge for us. Escuela Viva has made so much difference in his life and our home life as well. He is intellectually stimulated, and our son has learned much more bodily control and compassion for himself and others. Every morning we are greeted by the other students scurrying to give my son a hug to welcome him in the mornings, and the teachers are smiling with a cheery “Buenos Dias!”. — The Ehnes family

Escuela Viva Community

Event Calendar

Open Tours are truly for parents to visit the school and learn more about Escuela Viva and our philosophies. Attending a tour without your child is truly in your child’s best interest. Your child will want to freely explore and you will want to listen and ask questions. Children require more supervision than you will be able to give during an open house, if you are to walk away with the information you seek. Thank you for your understanding!